ArtaBerryHome Improvement Blog..

Space may come as a premium but elegantly designed conservatories enhance the looks and value of any home. Our family eventually outgrew our “starter home” but we couldn’t commit to buying a bigger one so we decided to add a much needed room – the conservatory.

We have a small garden out back with one charming apple tree and a koi pond – two main reasons why we decided to have a conservatory that served as a gateway to the outdoors. For homeowners who want to add a stylish room that is practical, cheap and versatile, consider the option of building a modest conservatory. These days, choosing from an array is a “walk in the park”. Google a few sites or visit the nearest construction depot if you have not decided on which one to build.

Points to Consider When Choosing a Conservatory whether you go for DIY or hire the services of a professional contractor:

• Location (front, side, rear, standalone)

• Function

• Style

• Cost

• Foundation

• Bases

• Flooring

• Framework Material (hardwood, UPVC, aluminum, oak etc.)

• Glass type (frosted, heat-reflective, treated, glazed etc.)

• Door and window locks

• Heating and Insulation

My family was on cloud nine when we were planning ours – we’ve craved that extra bit of privacy and space for so long and finally we got a crack at it! However, two fears were uppermost on our minds: would it get too hot out there during summer and would it be safe?

Fortunately, the merits of door locks, insulation, material and other costs were explained to us by the contractor who created the conservatory of our dream. Though we initially wanted a timber-built one (more of an orangery), the finished conservatory with its simple lines and great insulation made this extra room a pretty “garden within a garden”. Instead of using bulky sofas, we went for the more delicate-looking conservatory-type furniture. The fresh scent and feel of the outdoors courtesy of potted herbs were refreshing and protective. Instead of using citronella candles, we used the real thing – citronella grass that smelled pleasant and citrusy but abhorred by mosquitoes and other bugs. I initially resisted the temptation of buying an overhead Casablanca fan (finding it too trite) but got overruled.

The thought that it would be a white elephant crossed our minds but turned out that it was an unfounded fear. The conservatory is now our favorite place to just be together. A family quietly spending a relaxed afternoon in companionable silence is almost a throwback in an era of iPads and widescreen TVs, but we’re not complaining. This extra bit of togetherness makes the conservatory a truly worthwhile investment.